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Celebrating 20 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Community y www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogamblerr

EVENTS

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December 4 - 17, 2012

See Cover Story Pages 6-7 & 10-11

Check Out Valuable Coupons on page 13

‘Tis the season for celebrations, giveaways, promos Page 4

•N

GEMSTONES & MINERALS December’s Birthstone - Turquois or Zircon Page 6

western footprints Making tracks for Georgetown’s silver Page 20

TRAIL’S END

Chimney Rock: Sacred to Native Americans Page 21

COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CASINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTER TAINMENT

The Last Hand

Gambler

It was ‘Twinkie Time’ Out where the Old West stayed young

all road the school bus before I was born.

She was a Greeley together everyday and (UNC) graduthey were all great ate who students in high he school bus rolled came to school and colthe 32 miles from Maybell Maybell to Craig five to purlege. days a week. I boardsue her main The ed the bus at Lay, which had teachpoint of all of a historic post office, a small ing career GFDL photo by Larry D. Moore this rural Western store and a gas station, and having been was once the site of a small By Bob Sweeney raised by a mining family in Slope history is that every afternoon Army fort in the last century Leadville. She met and mar- when we unloaded from the school bus, that’s territory stretched between Rawl- ried my rancher father who was just back something sensational happened. ins, Wyo., and Rifle railroad towns. from World War I. Obviously, I’m very I would enter the log store building I grew up on a ranch seven miles south glad they got together. and under the glass counter were fresh of U.S. 40 and we received our mail at the The school bus brought an end to the Lay post office. It was delivered twice a Lay School and the wonderful Maudlin Twinkies. week in a canvas mailbag via a rural mail family that ran the post office and small Way out West, where the deer and the carrier that was a local neighbor. log cabin store attached to a wooden antelope roam, I would buy and cherish There was, and still standing today, a frame house. Mrs. Maudlin taught school a Twinkie as I drove our 1948 Plymouth historic white schoolhouse that is being and was the postmaster and her Elmer restored by Moffat County history buffs. was a rancher/farmer. They had three sedan back home to the ranch. I hope My mother rode horseback seven miles daughters Lanor, Lyvon and Lavina, Twinkies can survive now. each way to teach at that schoolhouse who were the early loves of my life. We Twinkies were big in Lay. www.coloradogambler.com

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Your Kind of Place • 101 MAIN STREET BLACK HAWK, CO Must be 21 and a Key Rewards™ member. Membership is free. Management reserves the right to change or cancel events and promotions at any time. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. © 2012 The Majestic Star Casino, LLC.

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 4 - 17, 2012

Events

‘Tis the season for celebrations, giveaways, promos

By Rosemary Fetter

Enjoy the holiday decorations, entertainment and great promotions this month in Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek. There’s no better place to Ring in the New Year!

BLACK HAWK

Bullwhackers 12 Days of Christmas

Dec. 13 – 24, noon – 8 p.m. Free SLOTPLAY Giveaway, with12 winners each day will. Visit Guest Services for complete details. Must be a Lucky Bull Club member and present to win. Must accumulate 100 points to be eligible for that day’s drawing.

Limit one prize per person per day.

Canyon Casino $15,000 New Year’s Eve Giveaway

Dec. 31, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Start accumulating entries daily.

Every 100 points gets you closer to winning up to $10,000. 3X entries on Monday.

Holiday Happiness at Fitzgeralds

Saturdays in December, Fitzgeralds Casino. Win up to $2,500. Two winners will be drawn each hour at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Key Rewards Members receive one free entry and additional entries for every 100 base points accumulated for the week. Platinum and Access members receive bonus entries.

Golden Mardi Gras, Golden Gates, Golden Gulch Casinos

Holiday Ornament Giveaway: Sundays through Dec. 23. Accumulate 150 base points or two hours of tracked table or live poker play for a free holiday ornament. Collect a different ornament each week.

Holiday of Point Multipliers: Dec. 24 and 31. Receive 5X Points on slots and 3X Points on video poker. Dec. 25 and Jan.1, Receive 10X Points on slots and 3X Points on video poker. $7.99 Christmas Day Special: Dec. 25, noon – 9p.m.

Oven roasted turkey with all the holiday fixings, house made chateau potatoes,

PAGE 4

stuffing and green bean casserole. $9.99 New Year’s Eve Special Dec. 31, noon – 1a.m. Chateau potatoes crowned with a 6oz. filet, fresh asparagus spears, lump crab meat and hollandaise accompanied by a glass of champagne.

Live Entertainment at the Isle

Isle of Capri Casino, 8 p.m. – midnight, Friday – Saturday unless otherwise noted* Dec. 7 – 8, Counterfeit Music Co (Variety) Dec. 14 – 15, Back in the Day (R & B, Funk) Dec. 21 – 22, Margarita Brothers (Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, Variety) *Dec. 26 – 27, 7 – 11 p.m. Phat Daddy (Current Hits, Variety) Dec. 28 – 30, Raising Cain (Current Hits, Rock, Variety *Dec. 31, 9:30p.m.

1am Sambadende, Samba, Brazilian CENTRAL CITY

Tours of the Teller House and the Central City Opera House

Through early December, Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 303582-5848.

Great Entertainment at the Reserve Casino

Dec. 15, Last Men On Earth Dec. 21-22, Hazel Miller Dec. 29, 7 and 9 p.m., Molly Hatchett, Nationally known entertainers.

CRIPPLE CREEK & VICTOR

Gold Camp Christmas

Dec. 7 – 9. Visit the Sugar Plum Gift Shop or check out decorated Christmas trees, available for purchase through the Live Tree Auction. Festive activities for children include gift making, crafts, a scavenger hunt, skating around the Christmas tree, pin the bells on the Christmas Donkey. S’mores and marshmallows roasting on an open fire, with free hot chocolate and cider.

Entertainment includes Colorado Springs Chorale holiday performance held at the Cripple Creek Baptist Church, musical groups performing holiday favorites, and the popular holiday

What’s Rockin’

Your guide to live entertainment and events at Colorado’s casinos

Reserve Casino Hotel

Dec. 15: Last Men on Earth – FREE Show doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 21-22: Hazel Miller – FREE Show doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 28: New Classics – FREE Show doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 29: Molly Hatchet – Ticketed Show Dec. 30: Romero and Trinidad Acoustic – FREE Show doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 31: Romeo Delight/Soul Crusher – FREE Show doors open at 9:30 p.m.

The Lava Room entertainment, doors open at 8:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). All entertainment starts at 9 p.m. and ends at midnight, unless otherwise noted. For upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit www. reservecasinohotel.com or www.RCHlive.com.

Meniskus

www.reservecasinohotel.com

Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk Dec. 7 – 8: Counterfeit Music Co (today’s hits, variety) Dec. 14 – 15: Back in the Day (R & B, Funk) Dec. 21 – 22: Margarita Brothers (Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, variety) Dec. 26 – 27: Phat Daddy, 7 – 11 p.m. (today’s hits, variety) Dec. 28 – 30: Raising Cain (today’s hits, rock, variety) Dec. 31: Sambadende, 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.

(Samba, Brazilian) Enjoy live entertainment on the Caribbean Cove bar stage.

Garrat Wilkin & The Parrotheads

www.black-hawk.isleofcapricasinos.com

Fitzgeralds Casino Black Hawk DJ Mario of Sounds Unlimited

DJ Mario of Sounds Unlimited

NewYear’s Eve: Enjoy live entertainment on the casino floor by DJ Mario of Sounds Unlimited from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

www.fitzgeraldsbh.com show “A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol & Holiday Olio,” performed by the Thin Air Theater Production Company at the Butte Opera House.

Parade of Lights and Victor Bonfire

Dec. 7-. Drive to Victor or take the shuttle, which will be leaving the Aspen Mine Center in Cripple Creek at 5:30 p.m. The shuttle will tour through the lighted head frames, and will arrive in Victor for the Victor Parade of Lights and the Victor

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

Gold Bowl, bonfire, caroling, and festivities. Reservations will not be accepted, so arrive early.

Elf Emporium

Dec. 7 – 9. Unique items made by local crafters

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 9. Visit www.victorcolorado.com or www.cripplecreekevents.com.

December 4 - 17, 2012

Win Your Share of $ , in Cash and Prizes!

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1-800-THE-ISLE • www.theisleblackhawk.com © 2012 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 or older. Promotions subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please visit the player’s club or cashier services for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. www.theisleblackhawk.com

December’s Birthstone - Turquoise or Zircon Turquoise alternates with tioned. In Tibet today it is zircon as the December birthby far the most popular stone. Turquoise enjoys the of all materials used same high degree of popularity for personal adornas it did in the ancient world; ment, and it plays an in fact, it is often classed as the important part in the most important of the opaque religious ceremonies gemstones. Four bracelets of the Tibetan peomade of turquoise and cast gold ple. are the oldest pieces of wrought During the jewelry known in the world.

16th century, turBy Ray Lundin Gemologist For 7,500 years ,they remained quoise was used on the arm of the mummy of raylundin@comcast.net as a medium of Queen Zer, an Egyptian queen, and were exchange by the Indians of still beautiful when excavated in 1900. southwestern United States.

The name turquoise (pronounced TUR- They used the stone to adorn their house kwoyz), which was first used in the 13th fronts, their graves and their persons; to century, is thought to have come from the them, it embodied the spirits of the sea and French “pierre turquoise” meaning “Turk- the blue sky. They also believed that it had ish stone,” probably because the gemstone the power to bring abundant spoils to their first reached Europe by way of Turkey. Tur- warriors, many animals to the hunter, and quoise is often spelled with an “e” as the happiness and good fortune to all who wore final letter, but in this country mineralo- it. Another widespread belief was that turgists agreed to be consistent and dropped quoise thrown in a river with a prayer to the “e.” the rain god would almost surely bring rain Most ancient civilizations valued tur- shortly. quoise very highly; the AzTo date, the oldest piece of turquoise jewtecs, Incas, Egypelry made by these early Amertians and the ican Indians was found southwestin Death Canyon, Ariz.; ern Ameriit is a pendant consistcan Indians ing of a hardwood ring, are those three and one-forth most freinches across, bearing a quently menmosaic formed of eighty-

Gemstone & Minerals

one pieces of turquoise affixed to the wood with gum. Even today, the American Indian still prizes turquoise highly. Among the Navajos, no Indian is likely to be seen without his piece of turquoise; the higher his position in tribal society, the finer his stone. Few religious rites of the Indians of New Mexico and Arizona take place without turquoise.

The copper content of turquoise is responsible for its blue color, and the presence of iron accounts for an all-too-common greenish cast. Stones of top quality are intense medium blue and are the least porous of the turquoisees. They are known as Persian turquoisees. American or Mexican turquoise is pale blue to bluish green; it is often somewhat porous. The variety of turquoise called Egyptian is greenish blue to yellowish green. Specimens containing portions of the mother rock are called turquoise matrix. Stones with included matrix resembling a spiderweb pattern are the most important of this type.

One of the largest pieces of turquoise was found in Riverside County, California in 1975. It weighed 218 pounds. Today, the United States is the world leader in the production of turquoise, most of which comes from the southwestern states.

Zircon

Zircon (pronounced ZUR-con) is a species that would undoubtedly be little known to the modern jeweler if heat treatment were not used to convert the rather dull, natural stones into colors that are virtually unknown in nature. To be sure, one occasionally sees yellow-brown, yellow-green and cloudy dark-green stones that are probably untreated. However, their use in jewelry is very restricted and would be considered by most jewelers to be of interest only to avid collectors. Jewelers are usually acquainted only with the heat-treated colorless and blue stones. Both blue and colorless stones occur naturally, but at present they are not found in sufficient quantity, and rarely in good enough quality, for commercial purposes.

Two descriptive terms have been associated with the name zircon, neither of which is very specific, and today their use is diminishing. “Hyacinth,” or “jacinth,” has been used for reddish-brown natural zircon, and “Jargoon” has been used for pale yellow to colorless stones from Sri Lanka.

The most important type of zircon is the type from Cambodia and Thailand, where it occurs as waterworn pebbles or stones with traces of tetragonal crystal forms in colors ranging from pale yellow-brown to deep red-brown. When heated, colorless, blue and golden-yellow colors are produced.

Next month’s January birthstone: Garnet

Take an armchair tour through Colorado’s wineries

By Rosemary Fetter to get out there and explore our For Colorado wine conlocal wineries,” she said. “Not all noisseurs and novices alike, the Colorado wineries are in PaliGreenwood Village resident sade or Grand Junction, we have Paula Mitchell has created a 35 between Fort Collins and Cashandy, comprehensive guide tle Rock. There are wineries in to the state’s blossoming wine Aurora, Pueblo and Cortez. Many industry. The book connects people don’t know that Paonia is the reader to each of the state’s an AVA (American Viticultural wineries, provides directions Area) a designated U.S. wine and information about the grape growing region.” area and wines produced, plus The book took a year to protasting room hours and a mes- Paula Mitchell duce, and she did some of her resage from the owner. Lines search online. After the book was are provided for personal notes, along with published, she visited each of the wineries a wine fundamentals segment and tasting and became better acquainted with the ownguide. Small enough to carry in a handbag ers. Many of them carry the book. or backpack and easy to read, Exploring “Wine is becoming the country’s most Colorado Wineries makes a great holiday or popular beverage,” she said. “Colorado wine hostess gift for the local wine lover. has improved considerably over the past five A native of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Mitchell or six years, and many of our wineries can moved to Colorado in 1976. She began a compete with the West Coast. If you check self-taught study of wine several years ago, the wineries websites, you’ll notice that but when she became interested in Colorado many are starting to win both national and wines, she discovered that the most recent international awards. Because of our climate book had been published in 2002, when the and longer growing season, we have a niche state had only 38 wineries. Today, there are in the market for certain wines like Cabernet 125.

Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Rieslings.

“I wrote this book because I want people People making wines in Colorado today are

PAGE 6

Exploring Colorado Wineries

Author: Paula Mitchell Availability: Amazon.com or contact paula@Exploring ColoradoWineries.com, 303-717-6297 or visit www.ExploringColorado Wineries.com.

trying to improve their quality and realizing that they have ability to compete.”

She added that Colorado is more of a boutique winery state, with most vintners producing 5,000 cases per year, although some

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

produce more. Apparently local liquor stores and specialty stores often carry quite a selection.

Mitchell will be appearing at several locations during the holiday season, including libraries and book stores, speaking and doing wine and food pairing presentations.

She will be appearing at the Smoky Hill Library on Dec. 3 and at the Koelbel Library on Dec. 17. Check her website at www.exploring coloradowines.com for other appearances.

December 4 - 17, 2012

’Tis the season for FEAST & FORTUNE!

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Drawings: Every Friday & Saturday in December Wednesday, December 26 through Tuesday, January 1.

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December 4 - 17, 2012

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

PAGE 7

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12 Straight Days of Winning

Bullwhackers 12 Days of Christmas Free SLOTPLAY Giveaway is Dec. 13-24, noon – 8 p.m. Twelve players each day will win Free SLOTPLAY. You could multiply your winnings up to 5X. Visit Guest Services for complete details. Must be a Lucky Bull Club member and present to win. Must earn 100 points to be eligible for that days drawing. Limit one prize per person per day.

Pearl Harbor Remembered

Sundays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ditional entries for every 100 base points earned for the and stay the night on us. Check with the Player’s Club week. Platinum and Access members get bonus entries! or Cashier Services once you have earned your points to Like Us On Facebook receive your hotel offer. This offer is valid only on the day Win $500 in the Sun-Harley Party Pit Stay up to date on all the latest news, promotions and the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout Win $500 by playing table games in the Sun-Harley events at Bullwhackers. Visit facebook.com/bullwhacker- days may apply...

Party Pit Fridays, Dec. 21 and 28 and Saturdays, Dec. 22 scasino. and 29 at 11 p.m. Get 2X entries when you play SundayTable Games Thursday and 5X entries on Friday. www.theisleblack The Isle has all your favorite table games includhawk.com ing blackjack, three card poker, let it ride, bonus 6, Texas Win a Harley Qualify every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and Hold’em Bonus, buffalo blackjack, roulette and craps with Wheel Of Winners 10:30 p.m. to win a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. Three 10 times odds.

New in table games is Double Deck blackWin your share of $50,000 qualifiers will be selected each hour and will receive a Tin cash and prizes every Friday Jack, Emperor’s Challenge and 21+3. New games now shirt, a match play coupon for the Sun-Harley Party Pit, in December. There will be five winners each hour, 5 – 10 at the Isle include Mississippi Stud and Ultimate Texas and an entry into the Grand Prize drawing on Dec. 15. Earn p.m. and the lucky winners will spin the Wheel of Winners. Hold’Em, which will be linked to a progressive jackpot 2X entries by playing table games Sunday-Thursday and Receive one free entry each promotion day and earn ad- with Let It Ride. Three Card Poker has a progressive jack- 5X entries on Fridays! ditional with every 10 unadjusted points. Play on Tuesdays pot all of its own. Play “Craps-Free” Craps and Straight Jack in December and earn 4X entries for the Wheel of Winners Progressive only at the Isle.

6X Points on Pennies drawings.

Earn 6X Points on penny slots five days a week! Play

Friday, Dec. 7, earn just 500 points playing with your Lucky Bull Club card and you can pick up a FREE Bullwhackers Denim Shirt. Shirts available beginning at 2 12-12-12 Win up to $12,000 on Wednesday, Dec. 12. The Isle is p.m. Limit one shirt per person while supplies last. Points giving away $1,000 every half hour beginning at 2 p.m. must be earned on the promotion day to be eligible.

Isle guests will receive one free entry and additional enStocking Stuffer Saturday tries with each set of 10 unadjusted points earned Dec. Saturday, Dec. 8, noon – 8 p.m., we’ll pick 16 “hot 1 – 12. Activate all entries on Dec. 12 beginning at noon. seat” winners and each will choose a lucky stocking stuffed with either Free SLOTPLAY or a great prize. Must Free Food Thursday’s Each Thursday in December, play 30 minutes on your be a Lucky Bull Club member and present to win. Limit player’s card and receive a free Calypso’s Buffet. It’s easy, one per person. simply register at the player’s club or cashier services prior Senior Double Day to playing.

Tuesday, Dec. 4 and 11, Lucky Bull Club members age 55+ earn 2X Points all day, redeemable for Free SLOT- Asian Adventure Giveaway PLAY. Video poker excluded from this promotion.

Win a 10-day tour of China or Vietnam only at the Isle on Monday, Dec.24. Winners of the 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Win 12X Points On 12-12-12 drawings will receive $1,000. Winners of the 8 p.m., 10 Wednesday, Dec. 12, noon – 6 p.m., 12 players will be p.m. and 11 p.m. drawings will win a trip. Receive one selected to have their total points for the day multiplied free entry and additional entries with each 10 unadjusted 12X! Must be a Lucky Bull Club member and present to points earned on your player’s card. win. Points must be earned on the promotion day to be eligible. Limit one prize per person.

Bus Fare Refund The Isle will refund your bus fare up to $20. Simply Multiplier Mania earn 35 unadjusted points on your player’s card and presDec. 26, 27 and 28, noon – 6 p.m. ent your return bus ticket to the player’s club or cashier • Play 1 day, earn 2X Points. services. Table Games and Poker players will receive their • Play 2 days, earn 3X Points. bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play.

• Play 3 days, earn 4X Points Video poker not included. Must earn 100 base points Paradise 50 Plus each day to receive the increased multiplier for the followAll guests age 50 or better can join the Paradise 50 Plus ing day. club on Sundays and Mondays. You will receive 3X points

Poker Room

Straight Flush Daily Progressive – Get a straight flush to win the progressive bonus; $25 will be added to each suits progressive. The winner must be a live-action seated Texas Hold’em player to receive the bonus.

Quad of the Day Weekend Progressive - Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10 a.m., $100 will be paid to the first selected quad of the day! If the quad of the day is not hit, the prize money will roll over to the next day’s quad of the day bonus.

Tournaments – Mondays through Fridays there will be two tournaments each day at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy late night? Play in the midnight madness No Limit Hold ‘em games at 1 a.m. and the afternoon tournaments at 1 p.m. on Saturday’s and Sunday. For complete information, contact the Poker room at 303-998-7905.

Tradewinds Features Burgers

Tradewinds at the Isle has a new menu that features what we believe to be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. Whether you try the classics, a green chile and chipotle, the black and blue or mushroom and Swiss burger you will not be disappointed. Tradewinds even offers a mouthwatering cheeseburger burrito.

www.fitzgeraldsbh.com

50K Progressive

The progressive Grand Prize is up to $45,000 on Dec. on all slots, 2X points on video poker, a free soft serve ice 16.

At 8 p.m., 20 winners will be drawn to choose from cream and a Free Calypso’s Buffet after earning five unadSundays, Dec. 9 and 30, just bring your same-day 240 pods and one contains the $45,000 Grand Prize. Each justed points. For complete details, visit the player’s club. receipt from the nearby Shell Station on Hwy 119 to colmonth the grand prize is not chosen the pot will increase lect your Free SLOTPLAY prize. Limit one redemption per by $5,000. All Key Rewards members receive on free entry; earn additional entries for every 250 base points earned person per day. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Player’s Club All new members of the IsleOne Player’s Club will find from Dec. 1-16. The deadline to register is 7:30 p.m. a Gateway to Winning with their new membership. Begin $20 Bus Reimbursement Why Drive? Just present your bus ticket at Guest Ser- earning cash and comps the very same day you sign up! Holiday Happiness Win up to $2,500 every Saturday in December. Two vices and receive $20 in Free SLOTPLAY! Yours with just Play and Stay at The Isle winners will be drawn each hour at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

100 points earned. Limit one reimbursement per person, Play 30 unadjusted points on your IsleOne club card Key Rewards Members receive one FREE entry; earn adper day.

Buy $10 in Gas, Get $10 Free SLOTPLAY

PAGE 8

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

your favorite loose penny slots Monday-Friday from noon – 7 p.m. to earn 6X Points on penny slots. Not valid on video poker and keno.

12/12/12 $1,200 Hot Seat

Wednesday, Dec. 12 from noon – 5:30 p.m., one lucky winner will be randomly selected every 30 minutes to win $100.

Shopping Day

Every Thursday in December from noon – 6 p.m. earn 10 base points and proceed to the promotional area to choose your gift. Supplies are limited.

New Year’s Eve

Fitzgeralds is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The $10,000 Countdown to Cash will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a $1,000 cash prize and the cash increases as we ring in the New Year until 12:30 a.m. All Key Rewards member’s receive one FREE entry; earn additional entries for every 100 base points earned from Dec. 25-31. Additionally, get your party favors starting at 8 p.m. and join in on the champagne toast at midnight.

Fitz 50

Fitz 50 is now even better, with 4X points on slots and 3X points on video poker and keno! Every Monday and Tuesday, guests older than 50 will receive the point multiplier and a discounted menu at the Shamrock Cafe.

Spin to Win Point Multiplier Wheel

Spin the cash back point multiplier wheel every Sunday in December from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and you could multiply your points up to 10X. The multiplier will begin once the wheel has been spun, so be sure to spin before you play. Not valid on video poker or keno.

Bus Redemption Program

Gold Key Rewards members earn 300 base points for $20, Platinum Key Rewards members earn 250 base Continued on page 9 December 4 -17, 2012

Continued from Page 8

points for $20, Platinum Key Rewards members earn 250 base points for $20, and Access Key Rewards Members receive a free $20 bus refund.

www.canyoncasino.com

Unwrap Some Cash

The holidays are here and we want to give you a chance to unwrap some cash. Join us the first four Saturdays in December between 5 – 9 p.m., play on your Canyon Club card and you could be selected to unwrap a present from under our tree worth up to $1,000. Plus after the drawings well be doing a special drawing for an electronics package that would look great under your tree.

Mix100 Money Machine

Join us Sunday, Dec. 9, for your chance to step into the Mix100 Money Machine to win cash and comps with the Golden Mardi Gras Casino. One winner will be chosen each hour from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

We hope to see you there.

150 base points or two hours of tracked table or live poker play to receive your gift. Collect a different ornament each week.

Colorado Poker Championship 5

Gift Certificates

Mark your calendars. The Colorado Poker Championship returns to the Golden Gates Casino and Poker Parlour; Saturday, Dec. 1 through Monday, Dec. 24. There is an estimated $500,000 Prize Pool for this season’s tournament. At Golden Gates Casino, you’re gonna love your odds.

$225K Winter Wheel of Cash

Join us each weekend in December for our $225,000 Winter Wheel of Cash Giveaway for you chance at $2,500 cash each drawing hour. Receive 25X entries into the drawings each Wednesday and Thursday through Dec. 20. Special drawings days over the week of Christmas and New Years so mark 4X Fridays your calendars. Join us New Year’s Eve at midnight Play on your Canyon club card on Wednesday and and New Year’s Day at 6 p.m. for a bonus $5,000 Fridays and earn 4X points automatically while you play winner each day. in December.

3X Sundays

$7.99 Christmas Day Special

Join us on Christmas Day from noon – 9 p.m. for On Sunday, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23, play with your our $7.99 special featuring oven roasted turkey platCanyon Club card and earn 3X Points on all slots and video ed with all the holiday fixings, house made chateau poker! potatoes, stuffing and green bean casserole.

$15,000 New Year’s Eve Giveaway

Start earning entries Dec. 1 for our New Year’s Eve Cash Giveaway. Every 100 base points earned gets you one entry closer to winning up to $10,000! On Monday, Dec. 31, between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., winners will be chosen to win. The more entries you earn the better your chances are. Remember to pick up your entries daily. On Mondays earn 3X entries.

We’ve got the perfect gifts for all your friends and family this holiday season. Purchase some gift certificates from the Cashier’s Cage on the first floor of the Mardi Gras Casino good for gaming funds.

New Member Gift

Become a Golden Rewards Member today.

Simply earn 50 base point or ½ hour of tracked table or live poker play to receive a FREE t-shirt on the day you sign up. Your Golden Rewards Card gives you special benefits – discounted food and merchandise prices, entry into drawings and giveaways and cash back.

Mondays are your chance to get 5X t he cash back

If you are age 50 or better, you will love our Golden Gamers every Monday. Come in early and enjoy Black Hawk’s best breakfast buffet and while you’re here, receive 5X points on slots, 2X points on video poker and a free meal.

$20 Bus Fare Refund

Simply earn 150 base points at Golden Mardi Gras, Golden Gates or Golden Gulch casinos and receive $15 in cash, earn an additional 100 base points and receive a $5 bounce back coupon for your next trip within eight days.

Eat where you love to play

Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Lucky’s Grill including pho, orange chicken, edamame and many other favorites. You may also enjoy the best Breakfast Buffet in town for just $4.49, our Deuces Wild breakfast special for $4.99 or savor our delectable steak and lobster special for just $8.99 at Café on 3.

(Must have Golden Rewards card to receive price on specials.)

Golden Gates Casino and Poker Parlour

Play in Black Hawk’s finest Poker Parlour featuring 20 live-action poker tables and the best tournaments in Colorado daily at 10 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and $120 single table Sit n’ Go’s all day on Saturdays. While you’re here Get Paid to Play each week, $80 for 20 hours, $110 for 25 hours and $150 for 30 hours. See Poker Parlour for details.

Mystery Point Multiplier Tuesdays

Spend Tuesdays with us, Dec. 4 – 18 to receive up to 10X Points on slots and 3X Points on video poker all day. Simply swipe your card at any Promotional Kiosk, Cashier’s Cage or Golden Rewards Center to revel your multiplier. It’s a mysterious way to win.

Table and Poker Holiday Hot Seat Chip Dip

If you love table games or poker, then you’ll love our Holiday Hot Seat Chip Dip. Join us Friday, Dec. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 30, 4 – 10 p.m. for your chance to reach into our stocking loaded www.goldenmardigras.com with casino chips. Simply play blackjack, craps, roulette or poker during the drawing times and Holiday of Point Multipliers if we pull your seat number, you win. See the Spend your holidays with us at the Golden Mardi poker podium or blackjack pit for details.

Gras, Golden Gates and Golden Gulch Casinos. Join us Mondays, Dec. 24 and 31 to receive 5X Points on slots $9.99 New Year’s Eve Special and 3X Points on video poker. Spend Tuesdays, Dec. Ring in the New Year with us. Join us Mon25 and Jan. 1 to receive 10X Points on slots and 3X day, Dec. 31, noon – 1 a.m. for our $9.99 New Points on video poker. Our point multipliers are valid Year’s Eve special featuring chateau potatoes ALL DAY at all three properties. crowned with a 6oz. filet Oscar grilled to perfection, fresh asparagus spears, lump crab meat Play and Eat Tuesdays and hollandaise. This delicious meal will be acPlay with us each Wednesday in December. Simcompanied by a glass of champagne. ply earn 100 base points, one hour of tracked table play or three hours of live poker play to receive a FREE Holiday Ornament Giveaway breakfast platter or steak and lobster special every Spend your Sundays with us, Dec. 2 – 23, to Wednesday. receive a FREE Holiday Ornament. Simply earn December 4 - 17, 2012

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

PAGE 9

Central City Nuggets Central-city.cnty.com

Winner Wonderland

$200 Drum Drawings on the Hour. $100 Hot Seats on the Half Hour. Fridays and Saturdays in December. Enjoy cash drawings from 4 – 10 p.m. Earn entries with just 150 base points, starting Dec. 1. Entry barrel emptied each week after the Saturday, 10 p.m. drawing.

Free Slot Tourney Tuesdays

Players who join us Tuesdays get a chance to participate in Three Free Slot Tournaments with a total of $2,000 in cash prizes.

Tournament seats will be filled by hot seat drawings, each round will have one VIP-only hot seat, and heats will take place every 20 minutes from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., for session two from 2 – 4 p.m., and for session three from 5 – 7 p.m. Place in the top five in both tournament

PAGE 10

sessions and win double your cash prize for from 2 – 6 p.m. Every player with a Century the second session. PLEASE NOTE: There will Casino Gold Card can get one entry to the drawbe no Slot Tournaments held on Christmas Day. ing per drawing day, and additional entries are available to players who receive our mailer.

Winners pick spots on our game board to find Pick-Your-Prize Giveaway out how many “yards” they earned on that Wednesdays “down.” Gain a total of 10 yards or more for Did you miss any of our great Wednesday a First Down to win $100 instantly. Score a Giveaways. Earn the base point target on Field Goal to win a total of $300. And score these days to pick-your-prize from our selec- a Touchdown to win $700. Everyone playing tion. While supplies last only. Dec. 5 – Your the board wins at least a $50 prize. choice of any 150 base point Giveaway Item. Dec. 12 – Your choice of any 300 base New Members point Apparel Gift.

Guests who sign up at our Player’s Club for a free club card will get a free spin, where they Holiday Pie Giveaway Wednesday could win up to $1,500. New Members also reEnjoy Sara Lee pie giveaways with your ceive $10 in Insta-Comp after earning 250 base play. Just earn 300 base points on the giveaway points on their account on the day of signup. day to receive your free pie. While supplies last only. Dec. 19 – Your choice of an apple BINGO –Thursday Bingo pie or a cherry pie.

Enjoy FREE Bingo every Thursday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., with a $100 PRIZE for each Sunday Football Score Board game. Players with a Player’s Card can pick up Score a touchdown and $700. Sundays their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour at Century feature drawings every half hour before each game.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

Senior Celebration – Wednesday and Thursday

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on their play all day from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m., plus 50 percent off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. Please note that 50 percent food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including the $7.99 prime rib special.

New Year’s Eve Bash

Celebrate the New Year with Your Friends at Century. Enjoy party favors, a Champagne toast, and midnight revelry as we welcome the New Year.

Birthdays

Play on your birthday and get Double Points.

Guests with a birthday coupon redeem it at the Player’s Club for their gift. Come in Sunday, Dec. 16, 2 – 4 p.m. for appetizers, cake & cash.

New Year’s Eve - New Day To Play

Starting Dec. 31, the Century Poker Room is adding a new day to play, as we will now be open on Mondays. To celebrate, entries will Continued on page 11

December 4 - 17, 2012

2X Mondays

Continued from page 10

Earn 2X points all day on all machines, including video poker. $1 = 1 Point

be awarded from Dec. 2 – 31 during live play, to the high hand every hour. On New Year’s Eve enjoy free snacks while you play and at 11p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, we will award a brand new Flat Screen TV to one lucky poker player.

40 & Fab

For those guests 40 and older, Earn 2X points all day on all machines every Wednesday. $1 = 1 Point. Earn 200 base points and receive half off Sunlight Poker Bonus $10 cash back for three hours play if seated one menu item at Millie’s Restaurant. between 10am and 1pm Thursday through Sunday, and Monday, Dec. 31.

Join us on your Birthday Come celebrate your birthday with the Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos and receive 500 free points. Players over 55 years of age will receive 800 free points. www.famousbonanza.com

2X Mondays Earn 2X points all day on all machines, including video poker. $1 = 1 Point

40 & Fab

New Players

Earn just 250 points on your first trip and receive a $10 meal voucher to either Millie’s or Stella’s restaurants.

Fun for Kids

Bring your children to the lower level of the casino to enjoy a wide variety of arcade games for our under 21 guests.

For those guests 40 and older, Earn 2X points all day on all machines every Wednesday. $1 = 1 Point. Earn 200 base points and receive half off Punchboard Saturdays one menu item at Millie’s Restaurant.

Every Saturday, customers will punch their way to cash prizes! Entries may be earned SatJoin us on your Birthday urday with every 250 points on your player’s Come celebrate your birthday with the Fa- card. mous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos and receive 500 free points. Players over 55 years of age will receive 800 free points.

Central City Nuggets Holiday Buffet

2X Tuesdays

Tuesday, Dec. 25, coupon required for free or discounted buffet or earn with 100 same day unadjusted points.

Every Tuesday in December players can register at the Player’s Club to earn 2X points.

Free Bingo

5X points on penny slots every Thursday in November, players can register at the player’s club to earn 5X points on penny slots.

Bingo in the Lava Room every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Big Bonus Bingo

Dec. 23, 27, and 28 at 4 p.m. – five games.

First 200 people to get Bingo Card only. (Limited to 200 people only). Bingo cards are available starting at 10 a.m. at the Player’s Club.

Merchandise Giveaways

Starting Sunday, Dec. 16 – 20. Pandora Inspired Bracelet. Earn 500 points in one day, or accumulate 1,000 points during the week, four hours of TG/Poker or four hours in the week. While supplies last.

Aces Always

Aces Always win Mondays-Friday in the poker room, noon – 6 p.m., $25 for pocket aces beaten.

5X points

CORRECTION In the Oct. 16 issue of the Colorado Gambler, the photo credits appeared wrong in the Western Footprints article, Silver, Gold and Politics in Colorado, on page 20.

The picture of the silver ingots in Central City should have said “Courtesy of the Ed and Nancy Bathke collection.” The picture of the gathering at Ft. Saunders should read “Courtesy of the Rea Williams collection.” The Gambler apologizes for the error.

New Players Earn just 250 points on your first trip and ww.reservecasinohotel.com receive a $10 meal voucher to either Millie’s or Stella’s restaurants.

Cool Point Race To Hot Vegas

The Parlour Located on the second floor of the Famous Bonanza Casino, we offer 2 Deck pitch Blackjack, Roulette and 3-Card Poker. $5 minimum to $50 maximum on 2 Deck pitch Blackjack and $3 minimum and all shoe games. The Parlour also offers Pool and Darts!

Action

First 20 guests to reach 75,000 unadjusted accumulated points in December will win a trip for two to Vegas in March. See Player’s Club for details.

Winter’s Hot Progressive Drawings

Monday-Thursday at 8 p.m. Guests can earn entries by participating in table games (Blackjack, Craps, Three Card, Bonus 6 and Roulette). $100- winner must be present. If Queen of Hearts Come see our newest promotion Fridays. winner does not claim, it rolls into the next Come get the ROYAL treatment every Friday drawing. See Player’s Club for details. from 8 p.m. to midnight. Entries may be earned New Player’s Eat Free all day Friday with every 250 points on your Free buffet with 100 unadjusted pointsplayer’s card. valid for one month from issue date December 4 - 17, 2012

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

PAGE 11

Arts & Entertainment

‘Becoming Van Gogh’ follows the footsteps of a genius

I

By Rosemary Fetter

f you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit the Denver Art Museum’s blockbuster exhibit, Becoming Van Gogh, take a break from holiday shopping and treat yourself to a rendezvous with the Master. The Denver Art Museum is the only venue for this incredible exhibition, which includes loans from more than 60 private collections and museums around the world.

Along with van Gogh’s art, the exhibit features paintings by other well-known artists who influenced his work, including Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Camille Pissarro and Paul Signac.

The show was organized by the DAM and curated by Timothy J. Standring, Gates Foundation Curator of Painting and Sculpture, and Louis van Tilborgh, senior researcher of Paintings at Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum.

Volumes have been written about Vincent van Gogh, who is arguably the world’s most famous artist. Through the DAMs one of a kind exhibit, visitors can trace the steps in the artist’s evolution from his initial efforts at draftsmanship and working in various mediums to the influences that he later incorporated into his art to create an intensely personal view of the world.

Mostly self-taught, van Gogh was the son of a Dutch minister, born in Holland in 1853. After finishing school, he worked for

Vincent van Gogh, Self-Portrait with Straw Hat, 1887 Photos courtesy of Denver Art Museum

his uncle as an art dealer. He subsequently attempted to enter the clergy, although he was far too high-strung for the religious life.

In 1880, at age 27, he enrolled at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Belgium, determined to become a painter.

In his early work, van Gogh preferred to depict poor working class people, using dark colors that convey a vaguely moralistic tone. One of the most famous is The Potato Eaters, his first major painting, is part of

Vincent van Gogh, Basket with Oranges, 1888

PAGE 12

Vincent van Gogh, Landscape Under a Stormy Sky, 1889

the exhibit.

The artist subsequently moved to Paris in 1886 to join his brother Theo. Influenced by the Impressionists, he began to use brighter colors and short brushstrokes, applying the paint with thick, bold brushstrokes, as exemplified by Grass and Butterflies (1887). Joined by artist Paul Gaugin, he subsequently moved to Arles, where he hoped to found an art school.

Van Gogh loved the outdoors, where he did his best work, sometimes painting while on his knees to achieve the proper perspective. (He sometimes complained to Theo, to whom he wrote more than 800 letters during his lifetime, that he was “always dusty.”) In one of the most intriguing paintings from that period, Landscape Under Stormy Sky (1889) the viewer can almost hear the rumble of dark thunderclouds moving over a field of yellow wildflowers, perhaps a portent of the future that van Gogh saw for himself.

The artist suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy accentuated by his use of absinthe, plus bipolar disorder and probably tinnitus. He created his most famous work The Starry Night while staying in an asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France.

After producing 900 paintings (only one of which ever sold during his lifetime), van Gogh took his own life at age 37. A great loss to the art world, he had been painting only 10 years. Thanks to the efforts of his brother’s widow, his work became famous within a few years.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

Becoming Van Gogh Through Jan. 30 Denver Art Museum, Hamilton Building 100 W. 14th Ave., Denver Tickets at www.denverart museum.org Several programs have been planned in conjunction with the exhibit, including lectures and adult classes.

For an up to date schedule, visit www.denverart museum.org

“Great things are done by a series of small things put together.”

- Vincent van Gogh December 4 - 17, 2012

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

PAGE 13

Humor

Gaming

2012 poker financial tracking RAKS for the holiday season

I

poker talk

’m a big fan of using a book or ledger to track poker results. For me I keep it simple and include: BY What game I’m LARRY playing, how long JOHNSON I play, along with both session and overall results. I also add a column for my thoughts so I can keep track of mistakes and unique plays. Let’s take a moment and look at my results YTD so far with only a month to go in 2012.

Overall, I’ve played less this year with an average of just over 13 hours a week. My total hours played has been just over 675 for the year.

Clearly I focused on the $30 - $60 ½ kill game in 2012 with 470 hours playing the “Big Game.” I was involved in the $2 - $5 - $100 game 140 hours, the $1 - $2 game just over 40 hours and had a very slow year with tournaments at only 26 hours / a total of 4 tournaments.

Results at the $30 - $60 game: I had a lot of fun playing this big game and plan on playing it often in the New Year. Overall I won $2,816, for a paltry hourly average of $6 an hour. Now, while that does not seem like much two things must be remembered: First, the game costs a minimum of $180 an hour just in blinds to play / so I’ll take winning anything, knowing the mistakes I made. Second, I was learning. This was my first full year at “The Big Game” and I made some big mistakes. Coming out ahead at all is a win.

Results at the $2 - $5 game: I played most of this game in the late summer and came out positive $1,658.

This is mostly because when I played, I played it as my main game and felt comfortable with it. I did have one $880 loss in August that still chaffs me but I didn’t do it again. The overall hourly average for my $2 - $5 play in 2012 was just under $12 an hour. I do plan on playing this game regularly in the upcoming year with my mood and bankroll making the decision for me.

Results at the $1 - $2 game: Overall in the 40 hours of play I lost $480. Most of this was in one session in July and actually had more winning $1 – $2 sessions (12) than losing (10) but the losers were larger. Plan to stay away from this game if I can in the new year PAGE 14

/ seems I always am waiting to move and do not play my best. Or – maybe I’ll simply play better.

Results for tournaments: It cost me a total of $460 to play in the 4 tournaments and I placed 3rd in one, winning $685 after tip. So I won $225 for 26 hours of play / an average of $8.65 an hour. I plan on being more of a player on the local tournament circuit again with at a minimum of 2 tournaments a month along with a few out of state.

Overall Results for 2012: I won $4,219 and did not have any part of any Bad Beat Jackpot payouts / so the probability that I one will in 2013 only get better.

So not a bad year – I averaged $6.25 per hour for partaking in a hobby I really enjoy. I was able to meet some great people, see some outstanding poker, and play a game that only a few get to play. Gotta love that. I’ll take it while continuing to do my best to get that average up in the New Year.

The key lesson learned in 2012 / do not play “The Big Game” short stacked or timid. To be successful, a player must have the money in front of them to maximize betting when that “special” hand comes up. Along with that a tight, aggressive player wins more than they lose if they keep to it.

The key questions are: Have I improved - am I set up for an outstanding 2013? And, am I still enjoying the game and open to improvement?

The answer to both questions is an unqualified YES. I have improved my game – now if I can keep the emotion in check I will win some real money.

I am set up for a strong year – feeling good am and showing patience. And, most important – I am excited every time I head up the hill because I am still improving and learning. Thus, I can anticipate the game much better and make sounder decisions.

Bring on 2013 – I’m ready to play some cards.

Remember – play your game and tracking wins and losses might make you a better player, maximize your opportunities to win more cash.

P

restaurant with three friends retend you hear scary music while discussing the television I tell this story. It show, The Big Bang Theory. might make it more A woman at the next table interesting.

Back chimed in and we all chatted when I was in high school, about the show. She finished my sister and a friend borher breakfast and left, and rowed the family car to go moments later the waitress shopping in a town an hour came by to tell us the womaway. We were heading an had paid for our meals. A home when the car broke genuine RAK performed for down. We were miles from

By Dorothy Rosby no other reason than that we drosby@rushmore.com the nearest town and even all get a big bang out of the farther from home. Night same TV show. was coming and cell phones hadn’t Another driver stopped his car to been invented yet. let me back out of my parking space. I There was only one thing to do; wait waved my thanks and, as I drove away, for someone to stop. We hadn’t waited I heard a honk. I glanced in my rearview long when someone did. A refrigerated mirror and saw that, while he’d been meat delivery truck pulled up and two stopped for me, someone had backed big, beefy men got out. Actually, I don’t into his car. I felt terrible, but probably remember if they were beefy. I just not as bad as he felt. couldn’t resist saying that since they Generally, though, RAKs beget were driving a meat truck.

RAKs. I held the door for someone toThey looked under the hood, de- day, and later someone else let me cut clared the problem beyond them, and in line at the grocery store because I offered us a ride to the nearest tele- had fewer items. At least I hope that’s phone. I hear the col- lective gasp what they intended, because I did from mothers cut in line. everywhere, Twice I’ve returned but my sister wallets I found and and I climbed twice I’ve had my into a delivery purse returned truck with two safely to customer men we’d never service after I left met and left our it in the grocery friend with the cart.

Thank goodness for honest peocar. This proba b l y ple, because I never learn. sounds more like a HallowLest you think I’m overcome with een column than one meant to holiday spirit, I do realize there are kick off the holiday season. But the fact that I’m writing it at all should be some plenty of Random Acts of Meanness (RAM) too. I wouldn’t wish eternal indication of how things turned out.

The deliverymen took us to the town damnation on anyone, but I hope there we’d just left to call my dad. Then they are dope slaps in heaven for a few peodrove us back to our car so we could ple. Like that bunch I saw tossing trash wait for him. They said goodbye and we out their car window the other day. Or never heard from them again. Angels in whoever stole my bike. Or the guy who shot my windshield out a few years a meat truck.

I probably wouldn’t get into a deliv- back. (At least I wasn’t in the car.)

If I’ve ever committed a RAM myself, ery truck with strangers today. It’s a different time and I have a cell phone. But I won’t admit it here. I’m more likely that’s not what I’m thinking about now. to commit Random Acts of Dumbness I’m thinking about how kind it was of anyway, and I admit to plenty of those those men to add an hour to their trip in this column. We can all avoid being to help us. It was a huge Random Act mean, though it’s harder to avoid being of Kindness or RAK, not to be confused dumb. But during the holiday season, with a RAKE, though if you show up on we celebrate the RAKs we enjoy year my front lawn with one of those, that round and resolve to perform more of would be a Random Act of Kindness too them ourselves. Bring your RAKE. (Contact drosby@rushmore.com or – -and equally appreciated.

A few months ago, I was sitting at a see www.dorothyrosby.com)

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 4 - 17, 2012

Donyelle won $5,000 playing a slot machine at Bullwhackers Casino.

Vonna won $2,121 playing a Stinkin’ Rich machine at Canyon Casino.

Glen won $2,881 playing a Brazil machine at Century Casino.

Josie won $16,000 playing a Triple Red Hot 7’s machine at Fitzgeralds Casino.

Margaret won $2,500 playing a 25-cent Triple Cash Machine at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Tammy won $8,387 playing Double Double Bonus Poker $1 at Golden Mardi Gras Casino.

December 4 - 17, 2012

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

August 21 - September 3, 2012

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Gaming

Tournament Tales: Tournament Rules, Part III

I

n this, the third of this out delay” turn their series, we’ll explore cards face up [rule 11]. tournament rules unHowever, in a non-all-in der the chapter title of showdown at the end of “Pots & Showdowns”. the last round of betting, The loyal reader will althe player who made the ready have familiarized last aggressive action in themselves with rules, regthat betting round must ulations and procedures in show first. If there was effect during tournaments; no bet in the final round,

By Drew Chitiea these being published by the first player to the left the Tournament Director’s Association of the button shows first and then clockfor the edification and use in poker tour- wise around the table. [Rule 12] There naments world-wide. Again, I will not are similar procedures in effect for stud list the more mundane rules or those ev- and razz (lowball): In stud, the high eryone ought to know, but if one wants hand reveals first, in razz, the low hand to read the rules in their entirety, they shows first. can be found at the following website: The intent of this rule provides an http://www.pokertda.com/custom_ orderly sequence to determining the posts/view-official-tda-rules/ winner of a hand. I have seen players Note that all TDA rules are guidelines who, when legally and procedurally except when they conflict with, or are their turn to show their hand, wait to superseded by, local rules, regulations see if someone else shows first. Their and/or procedures. When attending reluctance to reveal their hand when tournaments in other states the wise they are so obliged borders on angleplayer will familiarize himself with lo- shooting. They may even say something cal tournament rules to eliminate any like “I missed” yet still retain their cards unfortunate ‘misunderstandings’ that hoping their high card hand might still could cause grief, heartache and an early win. They may even mis-call their hand exit. [read about the old west “four-flushers” When a player(s) is all-in and betting in the previous article] in an attempt to action is complete, all players will “with- manipulate their opponent to take them

FULLHOUSE

at their word and so muck the winning hand. Recall the old – and oh-so-true – adage: Poker players never lie unless their lips are moving. Use the Reagan motto: ‘Trust but verify’ before mucking your cards.

If you are in a non-all-in showdown and the opponent – who is procedurally obliged to reveal their hand first – feigns reluctance or tries one of the ploys mentioned above, invoke your right as a player under rule 12 to see their hand first; the Tournament Director – if called – will back you up. Whatever you do, do NOT open your hand until your opponent does so first. If he mucks his cards, hang onto yours until the pot is pushed to you, THEN release your cards to the dealer. Conversely, if it is you who are obliged to reveal first, do so promptly: You played the hand all that way…what are you ashamed of? Show your hand, pull in the pot or tap the table and say “Nice hand.” Then get on with the next one.

Rule 13 dictates that anyone ‘playing the board’ at hand’s end must show both hole cards to get any part of the pot.

Pretty straightforward.

Here’s one that many misunderstand – Rule 14 – “Asking to see a hand.”

While invoking “Show one, show all”

pertains to showing everyone the card(s) a player may have revealed to another, it does NOT mean if one card only is revealed, then both cards must be revealed. If one card is shown, only that one card must be revealed to all. If another player, at the end of a hand, asks to see a non-revealed hand of a competitor, it is a privilege granted only by the TD to protect the integrity of the game (suspicion of an invalid hand, collusion, etc.). A player who mucks their hand face down without first tabling (revealing) their own hand loses the right to ask to see another’s cards.

Furthermore, it has been explained to me that only a player remaining in the hand to the end may ask to see another’s hand. A player who has mucked their cards prior to the conclusion of that hand has no right to ask to see the cards of a player after showdown. The salient part of this rule states: “This privilege is not to be abused.” Think long and hard before asking to see someone else’s cards; surely that ‘simple’ request can backfire dramatically.

Next issue we’ll address General Procedures; until then – may all your flops be monsters!

Sound advice for slot players

H

ave you ever fallen into the trap of playing a slot machine longer than you had intended?

In all likelihood, it happened because you were waiting for “just one more bonus round” on one of the video games that have taken over casino floors nationwide.

There’s no doubt about it; interactive bonus and free spin rounds are the new carrot-on-a-stick for slot players. They keep us pushing the machine’s “play” button far more than pulling the handle on traditional spinning reel slots when the only lure was an elusive jackpot.

The lesson to be learned is just that it is never wise to chase jackpots, so is it financially damaging to chase bonus PAGE 18

rounds.

Jackpots and bonus rounds are very different. The former, when hit, fulfills the promise of a sizable win. It’s generally the top award the machine can pay and comes with all the associated

bells and whistles.

Getting into a bonus round, on the other hand, offers no guarantee for a big win; just a “maybe”. But that’s a mighty big five-letter word for many people, who will play longer, spend more, and worse yet, put all their winnings back, in quest of catching one.

The “catch”, however, is significant.

Slots are mathematically programmed to pay sizable jackpots infrequently. The odds are very tall against lining up the

jackpot symbols on any given spin.

The hit frequency of bonus rounds on low-denomination multi-line/multicoin video slots is much greater. The anticipation of getting into a second screen bonus, or being awarded free spins, has become the most significant attraction of the new wave of games, and the most addictive.

The results of some bonus rounds net players significant wins. Many others are minor awards. The dilemma players face is magnified because of the fact the number of penny, two-cent and threecent games at Illinois and Northwest Indiana casinos has increased dramatically over the past year, while the number of higher denomination units has dropped.

It’s no secret that the number of onecent slots at casinos in Illinois and Indiana has increased dramatically over the past year and a half. The same is true for casinos elsewhere around the country.

When you take into account the fact

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

that the average payback percentage among all the slot machines is about 93 percent, but the average payback percentage is around 89 percent on onecent games, you can recognize why the emphasis has shifted.

There’s one other rule to follow if you want to keep the fun in your gaming adventures: Attend casinos on your own terms, which means refusing to be manipulated by promotions which are designed to increase your number of visits, or make trips you hadn’t planned.

Some properties in this market are very aggressive and quite persistent with direct marketing campaigns that are aimed directly at average recreational gamblers.

Always remember that special oneday-only promotions, giveaways, and cash offers are worthwhile only if you have made plans in advance to go out.

December 4 - 17, 2012

Gaming

Gaining an edge with modern shuffling tracking methods

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his year is the edge on the house.

10th anniversary While procedures vary of the release of somewhat from casino Cutting Edge to casino, they all use a Blackjack. And standardized combinain the next few columns, tion of several forms of I’d like to talk about some shuffling to produce the of its unique features and

By Richard Harvey final mix. what they give you in Most casinos do rifterms of an added edge fling (which is what never before attainable. most people think of when you say “shufIn Cutting Edge Blackjack, I announced fling” - this is the kind of thing, although less the results of my biggest blackjack research precise than is done at the casino, that most project to date, which included card behav- people do at home when playing card games), ior studies, shuffling studies, card handling and stripping (pictured in the photo here) afstudies, repeating phenomenon studies and ter first washing the cards when they’re first more. This was all done for my own ben- brought into play (this is done with the cards efit as a player and later I decided to release spread out on the table). Some also do boxsome of the results in the form of a book.

University-trained in theoretical math and scientific research processes, I knew I could find ways to make the game more winnable and predictable and, after more than three years, I did. But first I had to study how the cards played out. So I needed real-world card data, based upon real blackjack rounds dealt, collected and shuffled as they do it in the casino.

And my shuffling studies (which resulted in one whole chapter in the book – yet did not begin to include everything I learned) did not disappoint.

Here, I just want to point out that the mechanics used at most casinos worldwide afford a great opportunity to gain a greater

ing. And then, of course, comes the cutting of the cards by the player at the end.

Each of these procedures rearranges the cards in a predictable way. And if you can follow the cards through the shuffle (as you should), you can profit greatly.

Let me first acknowledge that I did not invent the idea of shuffle tracking. Yet I was doing it before I learned that others were onto the fact that the shuffling process led to a predictability.

Nonetheless, if you study others’ methods, they’re not very well-researched, satisfying or well thought-out. They essentially have you memorizing one “lead card” and waiting for it to reappear after the shuffle’s been done. Not a very precise or useful a procedure.

My method shows you how all the cards are reordered and teaches you which cards are good or bad so that you can follow, in general, where these groups are and know what’s most likely to come after the shuffle.

In this way, just for one example, you can raise or lower your bet appropriately in the first rounds knowing whether you’re most likely to win or lose. Very handy indeed. (And

What to shop for in a blackjack game

B

ona fide blackjack buffs know that some games promise more than others. Not because a dealer is hot or cold, or players at a table are making good or bad moves and therefore reinforcing or upsetting the natural flow of the cards, or other such nonsense. Rather, because certain rules reduce the casino’s inherent edge.

The most patent examples are ability to resplit pairs, double-down on any two cards, and surrender bets with expected return below 50 percent. Some casinos offer options like these; others don’t. Some casinos offer them only at high-limit tables.

Less evident but still common is the number of decks from which hands are dealt. The probabilities associated with the game change with this factor.

Some blackjack blue-bloods also fret over “penetration” or “shuffle-point.” This is

December 4 - 17, 2012

described using terms like “50-card penetration,” “2-deck penetration,” or “60 percent penetration.” They all tell where in the stack the dealer slips the “cut card,” indicating the round after which shuffling will occur. Expressed as a number of cards or decks, penetration is measured from the bottom of the stack; as a percentage, from the top. In a six-deck shoe, 2-deck, 104-card, and 66 percent penetration are the

same.

How important are these conditions? What weight should you give them in deciding where to take your action?

If you’re a casual gambler -- for instance if you believe it’s all just luck, are guided by hunches, and bet on extra spots “to change the flow of the cards” at a cold table -- your prophesies will be self-fulfilling. None of these factors matter. Go wherever the bus stops, you have a coupon, or they treat you well.

If you’re a strict “basic strategy” player, ability to resplit pairs other than aces shaves the house edge by 0.04 percent, resplitting aces decreases it by another 0.08 percent, doubling after splits trims off 0.14 percent, surrender represents an 0.08 percent cut, and changing from eight to six to four decks is worth 0.03 and 0.04 percent, respectively. In an eightdeck game with doubling after splits but no resplits or surrender, the house edge is 0.48 percent. At six decks with full resplits and surrender, the edge is 0.25 percent.

Penetration has no effect on either casual or basic strategy players. However, it’s a serious consideration for card counters. These players monitor what’s been dealt and adjust their bets and decisions according to the cards yet to be dealt.

As penetration deepens and more cards are put into play, the chances increase that the hands dealt between shuffles will be nonrandomly distributed. The likelihood and magnitude of favorable situations increase, but the

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

you’ll know where to cut the cards when it’s your turn, to bring back the very best cards.)

How does this work? I’ve never tackled this subject before in a column because it takes much more space than I have to cover it in detail, but look at the graphic I’ve provided here from Cutting Edge Blackjack (© Richard Harvey, reproduced by permission of Mystic Ridge Books), one of a bunch in the book that show you how riffling reorders the cards.

I’m the first (and only, to my knowledge) person to identify the rearrangement in terms of quadrants. (And FYI: Most times no matter how many decks are in play - dealers shuffle the cards in groups of 52 cards give or take in multiple deck games.)

What do you see immediately from the graphic I’ve provided? The cards in the Top quadrant tend to stay on top after a riffle.

The cards in the Bottom quadrant tend to stay on the bottom afterward.

This is just scratching the surface, but can’t you see how this kind of information can lead to greater gains?

Richard Harvey is a nationally-acclaimed blackjack strategies innovator, expert player, blackjack coach and bestselling author of Blackjack The SMART Way, Cutting Edge Blackjack, NEW Ways To Win MORE at Blackjack and Richard Harvey’s Blackjack PowerPrep Session. Have blackjack questions? Send them to rharvey2121@netscape.net. For more info see http://www.blackjacktoday.com.

probability and severity of unfavorable conditions also rises. For solid citizens whose bets and decisions are not count-dependent, the fluctuations offset one another. For counters, who pounce when they have the edge and drop back -- or out -- when the odds are with the casino, there need not be a balance and the advantage can be exploited.

I’ll illustrate the benefit using the six-deck game with 0.25 percent house edge. When cards to be drawn have a moderate excess of tens and aces over twos through sixes, the player has an advantage. Say a card counter knows when this occurs and bets three times as much on favorable than unfavorable hands.

With one-deck penetration, this gives the player a 0.28 percent net edge over the casino. At two-deck penetration, the player’s net edge is 0.15 percent. At three decks, it’s down to 0.07 percent.

Whether, and what, to shop in a blackjack game depends on your style of play. Then again, so does your chance of winning. Sumner A Ingmark, the bettors’ bard, said it well: A gambler’s notions funny, Can cost a lot of money.

PAGE 19

Making tracks for Georgetown’s silver

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w o books about t h e Colorado Central Rail Road written by Colorado historians both mention Oliver Ames as a member in 1899 of the first Board of Directors of the Colorado and Southern Railway Company, a successor of the CCRR. One book refers to “Oliver Ames” as a “familiar name.” The name was familiar, but not the man.

This Oliver Ames was actually the third Oliver Ames involved with the railroad.

Oliver Ames, president of the Union Pacific Railroad who had been involved with Colorado railroads from 1866 until his death in 1877, was the grandfather of the third Oliver Ames. The last mention in his diary of the Colorado Central RR was on Feb. 21, 1877. In the diary at that time he also had frequent references to his mines in Ward, including one on March 1, his final entry. He died of pneumonia on March 9, 1877, missing by a few months the arrival of the CCRR in Idaho Springs and Georgetown.

The second Oliver Ames to be involved with the Colorado Central RR was his nephew, my greatgreat grandfather, later the governor of Massachusetts. In 1877, he was deeply involved in sorting out the complicated estate of his father Oakes Ames. This trip appears to have been something of an enjoyable break while he checked up on family investments.

From Gov. Ames’ Diary for 1877:

MAY 10 Thursday .....at 11:45 started on a free pass over Atchinson & Topeka RR for Denver - It runs through a splendid country - its track is in fine order-very straight Topeka & Emporia are fine towns.

Richard Barnes & WW Clark go with me MAY 11 Friday Reached Pueblo about 6 o’clock and there took Denver & Rio Grande RR for Denver – a narrow gauge. The superintendent was with me - Mr. Borst. Had a pleasant ride all the way - The mountain scenery at west end was very fine Saw entrance of Garden of the Gods. Reached Denver at 8:30 – Stopped Grand Central MAY 12 Saturday In Denver - Went up Colorado Central on free pass - Superintendent C S Abbot met me at Golden and went all way with me - gave me a chair to ride at rear of train - and used me well - Dined at Teller House at Central City - Went to Gregory mine and got samples of ore and to Boston & Colorado smelting works - Scenery magnificent Reached Denver at 5:30 - Left for Cheyenne at 7:30. Reached there at 12:30 Sunday morning

From the 1877 diary of Oliver Ames

Diary entries courtesy of the Ames Collection, Stonehill College, North Easton, Ma.

PAGE 20

The train would have taken him to Black Hawk, but it did not continue on to Central until 1878. He would probably have taken a stagecoach for the short

trip from the train to Central City. He saw a great slice of Colorado history in this short time: Henry Teller’s fine establishment in Central City, Gregory’s Diggins that sparked the Colorado Gold Rush, and Nathaniel Hill’s smelting operation that allowed the development of hard rock gold mining when placer gold became scarce.

In 1877, the narrow gauge mountain branch of the CCRR was on the move again. The financial panic of 1873 had stopped the line at the base of Floyd Hill (EL.7200). In 1877, with financial help from the UP, grading and track laying began again.

The CCRR engine, once revolved on the turntable in Black Hawk (there was no roundhouse), had a new direction in which to go. After returning to The Forks, the train could cross

finally got its railroad there was good cause for celebration. After all, the railroad would stimulate business and industry, in this case both mining and the business that had grown up around the hot springs of Idaho. Goods of all kinds would be more available. Idaho Springs put on an impressive celebration.

Guests arrived on trains from the front range and from Black Hawk, and others arrived in all sorts of conveyances.

Oliver Ames, governor of About 1,000 guests arrived in Massachusetts 1887 to 1890 over to the southern track along this small town, and the town the base of Floyd Hill, where set about entertaining them. the road had been stopped The main restaurant could seat since 1873, and along the south- 112 people, so shifts were arern branch of Clear Creek. One ranged and food supplied for month after Gov. Oliver Ames’ all. The meal was preceded by a visit to Central City the railroad parade and followed by dancing reached its new destination of to band music in a pavilion.

Grading had already been Idaho Springs (EL.7541). completed to within seven It seems that any time a town miles of Georgetown (EL.8487).

Colorado’s silver boomtown would benefit from the railroad as the railroad would benefit from hauling its ore. The first Colorado Central Rail Road train arrived on Aug. 14, 1877, giving Georgetown residents their cause to celebrate. The railroad, however, would not progress farther to the West until 1884, and it would never see future construction under the name of the An engine (later model) on the Black Hawk turntable from Harry Brunk’s Colorado Central Rail model railroad layout at the Cheyenne Depot Museum.

Road.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 4 - 17, 2012

Trail’s End

Chimney Rock in southwestern Colorado

Photos courtesy of Denver Public Library, Western History Collection

Chimney Rock Sacred to Native Americans, now a national monument

F

In Honor of

or thousands of years, Chimney Rock was not only a landmark to the Anasazi and Pueblo Indians, but a spiritual place as well. Today, it is known as a landmark feet below, to the San Juan Mountain range to by travelers along Colorado Highway the northeast. The most impressive view, how160 in the southern part of the state. ever, is that of the two 300-foot stone pinnacles, Thanks to the American Antiquities Act of 1906, Companion Rock and Chimney Rock.

Chimney Rock is now a national monument.

It is the pinnacles that hold the spiritual conArcheologists have determined that between nection to the Native Americans, as well as a A.D. 925 and 1125, the Anasazi and Pueblo In- fascination to scientists and astronomers. For it dians occupied the land surrounding Chimney is here the first occupants of this land set their Rock. It was here they built their lunar calendar. It is a phenomenon homes, evidenced by the original that occurs regularly every 18.6 settlements, including two excavatyears. During the winter months, ed villages. Nearby is the Chacoan the moon rises in precise measureGreat House. And here lies the mysment between the two pillars of tery of what happened to the AnaChimney Rock. sazi and Pueblo Indians.

By A.D. 1300 the Ute tribes As the 12th century dawned, called this land their home. While strange tribal bands from the south there is ongoing discussion between slowly invaded the people of Chimhistorians and archeologists as to ney Rock. They came from an area when the Utes actually dominated known as the Chaco Canyon, in tothe area, it is generally believed the day’s state of New Mexico. Whether By Linda Wommack Ute ancestry is that of the Anasazi these people came to conquer or lwomm3258@aol.com people. According to Ute legend, live in peace, evidence shows they they have always occupied the land. did stay and settle in the area. At the ridge of the The Utes led a somewhat meager life in this isomesa near Chimney Rock, the thousand-year- lated area until they acquired the horse someold dwelling known as the Chaco Great House time between A.D 1300 and A.D. 1650. With sits in majestic wonder. Conversely, an equally mobility, they were able to hunt successfully, ancient stone lookout stands above the Great thus, within the culture of the Ute tribe, the House, which archeologists have determined to horse became the most important possession. be of Anuses origin. Nearby is a large kiva, also The Utes became skilled horsemen, developing of Anasazi origin. their raiding and fighting abilities as the ArapFrom this site, one can see the spectacu- aho, and Cheyenne tribes began migrating into lar panoramic view of the Piedra River Valley Ute country. The Utes defended their hometo the southwest where the river flows a 1,000 lands against all intruders, with great force.

By the late 18th century, the Utes were divided into separate tribes known as the Seven Nations. Of those seven tribes, including the Mouache, Capote, Uncompahgre, Grand River Utes, Yampa and Uintah tribes, the Weeminuche band of Utes became known as the “Southern Tribe.” The Weeminuche Utes occupied the valley of the San Juan and Piedra rivers, including the sacred area of Chimney Rock. It is here that the Weeminuche Ute tribe, under Chief Ignacio, and the Capote and Moache Bands, under the leadership of Ouray and Buckskin Charlie, fought to retain their sacred land and their way of life, as encroachment of the white men increased with Manifest Destiny.

A keen, observant man, Ouray understood the extreme differences between the Indian and white man. Learning the politics of the white man and knowing the traditions of the Ute Indian, Ouray knew the Utes might win the battle, but never the war. As chief of the Ute Mountain Tribe, Ouray chose the diplomatic approach, rather than a war with the white man.

On March 2, 1868, he struck a deal with his friend Kit Carson, a Government Indian agent.

The Kit Carson Treaty gave some 6 million acres of land to the Utes. In return, Ouray and his people were guaranteed, “no one would pass over the remaining Ute land.”

Gold had been discovered in the Colorado Ute Territory and the government pushed the Indians aside, once again. Soon thereafter,

Ute Indians cross the Los Pinos River in the land of the Chimney Rock.

December 4 - 17, 2012

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

Ouray found himself explaining to his people why they must leave their land. The Ute Mountain Indians were moved to reservations by the United States government. The Utes for their part had dealt in good faith. Now they were confined to a reservation.

The Ute Mountain Indian reservation stretched from the Four Corners area, east to Pagosa Springs, approximately 110 miles. From the New Mexico border north, the distance was roughly 20 miles; a mere strip of the original land. Yet they retained the sacred land of Chimney Rock. In the summer of 1880, once again the white man attempted to take more land from the Weeminuche Ute Indians. This was the climate of the changing world for the Ute tribe. Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta, worked to negotiate once again with the white man at the Southern Ute agency at Ignacio. Their intent was noble, but the mission ended in tragedy.

Chief Ouray fell deathly ill and lay in his tipi near death. With his beloved wife at his side, he expressed his wishes for his people and asked Buckskin Charlie to be noble in leading the future of the Ute tribe. Buckskin Charlie, humbled by the request, honored his mentor to the best of his ability. He would spend the rest of his life serving his people with peaceful actions and negotiations with the government. It can be said that no overt actions or depredations against the white population were ever committed by his authority. Through his leadership, Buckskin Charlie maintained the sacred ownership of the Ute land and the Chimney Rock area. Today, both Chiefs Ouray and Buckskin Charlie are buried at the cemetery in Ignacio, just miles from Chimney Rock.

On Sept. 21, President Obama designated the historic sandstone landmark of Chimney Rock, as well as the surrounding 4,700 acres, as a National Historic Monument in a ceremony in Durango.

“This will insure that the archaeological area of Chimney Rock is around for another thousand years,” said Denise Ryan, director of public lands policy at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which was one of the many groups, including Colorado congressmen, that lobbied to establish the national monument.

Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is located approximately 43 miles from Durango and 17 miles from Pagosa Springs along U.S. highway 160.

PAGE 21

Rollin’ Dough

Send us your recipes!

To be featured in Rollin’ in the Dough: Send us a recipe, your name, a little about yourself, why you chose that recipe, a little about your cooking style, and of course your phone number in case we have questions. Email gambler@ villagerpublishing.com or mail to 8933 E Union Ave., Suite 230, Greenwood Village, CO 80111.

Questions? Call Sharon at 303503-1388.

Mexican Hot Sauce 10 Jalapenos (diced) 1 Onion (diced) 2 Fresh tomatoes (diced)

1 teaspoon Salt 2 teaspoons Black pepper 2 Cups Tomato juice

Dice jalapenos, onion and tomatoes, place into a bowl. Add salt, black pepper and stir everything together as you add the tomato juice.

If you make your hot sauce this way, just make what a few days’ worth, not more than a week – it could spoil on you.

Pork Steak Special 2 lbs. Pork Steak 1 Onion (diced) 1 Cup Jalapeno hot sauce 2 Cans 8 oz. tomato sauce

4 8 2 1

Tablespoons Flour slices Velveeta cheese teaspoons black pepper teaspoon salt

Cut up the meat first, then dice your onion, jalapeno peppers and place these ingredients into a frying pan with a half cup water. Cook this mixture at medium heat for ten to fifteen minutes or until done.

Add the cans of tomato sauce to the fry pan mixture and stir, adding 2 cans of water, then add flour and stir until sauce is as thick as you wish. Add slices of Velveeta and stir until the cheese has melted, then add a cup of Jalapeno hot sauce, stir and cook for another five minutes and you are ready to eat.

Submitted by Gambler reader Benito Yzaguirre Benito said: “I try to cook the way my mother showed me.

I make most of my food with jalapenos and Velveeta cheese – I don’t use any other cheese because it won’t taste the same. People around here use a lot of different peppers for the food, my kids can eat the hot spices; I mostly stick with tacos with ground beef.”

Sharon’s Tailgate Bloody Marys

Sharon Sweeney We’ve always enjoy sharing your recipes with Colorado Gambler readers in the “Rollin’ in the Dough” column. It’s Gambler VP, Sharon Sweeney’s turn to share a favorite beverage that everyeone is sure to enjoy.

Celery salt Sea salt Worcestershire sauce Old Bay seasoning Pepper Tabasco Horse radish Limes (wedges)

Green olives – jalapeno stuffed or regular Celery sticks Spicy green beans Zing Zang Bloody Mary Mix Vodka to taste (or omit for Virgin Marys)

Pour sea salt/celery salt mixture onto plate; rub rim of glasses with wedge of lime. Turn glasses upside down to coat rim with salt mixture. Start with a shake or two of all other seasonings into a cocktail shaker with ice and add more to taste. Shake well; garnish with your choice: olives/celery sticks/spicy green beans and top with wedge of lime.

Enjoy these Bloody Marys with brunch, or at a football tailgate party. Guaranteed to be a hit!

Horoscope SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) This may be a time of change and upheaval in your life. Learn to adapt to the changes around you; avoid being too ridged. Opportunities will be available to make sweeping changes in your life. Time to recharge yourself; self expression becomes easy. Use this time for personal growth, not material.

Lucky Numbers: 6, 16, 25, 27, 39, 41

CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Your physical energy is high and you should be able to get a lot done now. You find it easy to further your own interest and assert yourself among others; you will leave a great impression on people you meet.

You most likely will work better independently than with others. Great accomplishments are ahead.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 8, 18, 19, 24

AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Frustrations may occur from the lack of credit you so deserve. Rise above it all and know that sooner or later you will get the recognition you are looking for. Careful communication is advised - you don’t want any delays in your projects. Avoid taking financial risks now, you could get swindled.Lucky Numbers: 1, 17, 27, 28, 34, 37

PISCES (Feb 20 - March 20) You will be able to achieve your goals by working with others cooperatively. The trick may be in finding others that share your same passion and dreams, as this is a time to put together your goals and actively pursue them. It is important that you feel personal satisfaction in what you do. Avoid taking a back seat. You can lead through this easy enough. Lucky Numbers: 14, 17, 25, 35, 42, 49

ARIES - (March 21 - April 20) Attention is called upon when handling joint finances or legal issues.

Taking the time to thoroughly go through details and fine print can only prevent any glitches that can slow you down. You have the ability to transform a number of areas in your life, call upon what you want; you are the one in control and can succeed in any direction.

Lucky Numbers: 6, 26, 27, 28, 35, 42

TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) Your ability to, or be part of a better future for you and your partnerships is here. You may have had a long hardship to endure, but now Karma may appear at your door and present a new way for you to love, change and grow. Deeper metaphysical issues make sense in your life, and you move again with the puzzle pieces handed to you.

Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 29, 30, 33, 46

GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21) You have a benefic time of the year the first week of December. You can experience success on different levels of your life. Be careful not to over indulge on buying too many things. These things may not really fulfill what it is you are trying to do. Self satisfaction comes from within. Avoid butting heads with authority figures. Lucky Numbers: 1, 5, 12, 15, 16, 24, 37

CANCER - (June 22 - July 22) You may feel like a rebel this week, breaking your routine, meeting new and exciting people and taking risks. All is good. You can do all this, but keeping a balance between home and work may be the challenge.

Certain relationships may require some space and freedom. Go with the flow. Lucky Numbers: 16, 22, 23, 29, 30, 50

LEO - (July 23 - Aug 22) This should be a highly self-confident time for you. Your mood may be cheerful and optimistic and you may feel like everything is going your way. It will as long as you don’t over extend yourself or become too arrogant in your manners. You can project positive energies to ensure success of a new venture. Lucky Numbers: 7, 21, 24, 32, 34, 42,

VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You creative imagination is running high as well as a dreamy way you walk through your day. Intuition is right on as long as you can sort it out through all the ideas that are surfacing. Stay on task when needed. Escape into a surreal fantasy when possible - favorable for studying art, poetry, music and spiritual pursuits.

Lucky Numbers: 10, 12, 15, 18, 29, 30

LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Finances are favorable now as long as you don’t become too extravagant.

Investments under this influence are usually quite advantageous as long as it is not money needed for everyday living. This is a great time for entertaining in your home, or meet up with friends. Strong feelings arise about how you want your living surroundings. Cooperation is Key. Lucky Numbers: 26, 34, 41, 44, 53, 57

SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) The pace of your everyday life should pick up considerably. Avoid conflicts with neighbors or people you encounter daily; avoid pointless arguments. This is a good time to work with a bank or lending institution if needed. The fortunate changes may not be that obvious.

What occurs now will make your life richer and more rewarding in the long run. Lucky Numbers: 13, 17, 20, 25, 46, 48

Contact Mary Nightstar at marynightstar@yahoo.com and type “horoscope” in the subject line.

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PAGE 23